Message from the Director | | |
In the past six months, the PPMC has assisted with feasibility studies for organizations considering bold moves that require both economic and organizational assessments.
Underlying the technical work, these organizations are asking the question: “How does our organization more greatly align with our purpose?”
That’s a big question.
There are even harder questions that follow:
“What do we need to stop doing to put more resources to better serve purpose?”
“What initial risks can we take to see if are on the right track?”
“Who (or what) do we need as a partner, resource, information, or new approach?”
Every partner and organization we serve is working through disruptions, whether those are financial, human resources, policy impact, or mandates. It’s easy to get caught in the day-to-day urgent or inherited chaos. As we go into spring, I am inspired by these organizations working through feasibility studies to serve with greater purpose, to take the initial risks, and to discover a new version of their organization. I hope this spring you make that happen for your organization, too.
Warm regards,
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Second Light Shelter + Services Update
Our team is extremely grateful to the staff, volunteers, and community partners who have stepped up to help our unhoused neighbors stay safe and warm this winter season. The number of people in shelter more than doubled during several extreme weather weeks. Because of community partnerships, dedicated staff, and amazing volunteers, Second Light was able to help nearly 375 guests each night during extreme weather. Read more at KAKE.com.
Second Light Position Opening: Director of Development
Second Light is seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven Director of Development to lead and grow a comprehensive fundraising program that supports its mission to serve individuals experiencing housing insecurity in Wichita.
Reporting to the Executive Director, this leader will oversee major gifts, annual and planned giving, mini and capital campaigns, donor engagement, and fundraising operations, working closely with the Board and community partners to build sustainable philanthropic support. The ideal candidate brings at least four years of fundraising experience, strong relationship-building skills, strategic vision, and the confidence to make bold asks that inspire generosity and fuel life-changing impact. This full-time position offers compensation commensurate with experience and requires some evening/weekend flexibility.
Learn more and apply by March 20, 2026.
| | Applied Research & Collaboration | |
McPherson Board of Public Utilities Employee Survey
The Applied Research and Collaboration team recently completed an employee assessment project with the McPherson Board of Public Utilities. The survey measured workplace factors like workload, communication, and leadership trust to help identify what matters most for employee wellbeing and engagement. The results help BPU move from assumptions to evidence-based decisions about workplace improvements.
| | Talent & Organizational Success | |
PPMC Partners with KU PMC at Statewide Civic Event
On February 12, the PPMC partnered with the University of Kansas Public Management Center to facilitate table discussions at the Strengthening Our Civic Society event convened by the Kansas Business Roundtable in Topeka.
The event brought together leaders from across Kansas to explore how communities can build trust, strengthen civic engagement, and support effective public service. PPMC and KU PMC staff guided structured conversations among participants, helping surface shared priorities, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration across sectors.
This partnership reflects both centers’ commitment to enhancing public service and supporting meaningful dialogue that strengthens communities statewide.
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Neurodiversity: From Awareness to Action
Each fiscal year, the PPMC selects a new focus area to better understand how public service spaces can be more inclusive and adaptive. Last year, the team centered its learning on neurodiversity and how engagement practices can better support individuals whose brains process information differently.
In her new article, Operations Manager Sarah Shaffer outlines practical steps to make meetings, focus groups, and public engagement efforts more accessible. Drawing on research that estimates up to 20% of the population is neurodivergent, the article moves beyond awareness and offers 10 actionable strategies: from providing clear written instructions and adaptive technologies to designing multiple engagement pathways and rethinking how and when meetings occur.
Read the full article here.
| | WSU Public Policy & Management Center invites you to join the following groups or organizations: | | |
Professional Development Series: Our Next Session is March 25th!
Set yourself up for success with the Professional Development Series, a practical, high-impact learning experience built for entry to mid-level leaders in any industry. Our next session, "Time is a Boundary and a Resource" is instructed by Percy Turner of the WSU Community Engagement Institute and will take place at Alford Library.
Learn to protect your time while supporting your team’s priorities. Participants will explore techniques for setting healthy boundaries, managing workload, and using time intentionally as a leadership tool.
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WSU City/County Management Summit (CCMS) 2026: Collaborate to Elevate
Early registration is now open for our annual City/County Management Summit on June 10 for local government professionals. The Summit is an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across Kansas and learn about the latest innovations to better serve your community. Expect hands-on learning with subject matter experts and meaningful networking with colleagues.
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Women in Public Service (WPS) 2026
It's that time again! Join or Renew your membership with Women in Public Service (WPS).
WPS is a place where we inspire current and future generations by addressing topics relevant to women in public service while instilling knowledge through education, networking, and professional development that strengthens the leadership in our local government and communities. While WPS programming focuses on topics relevant to women in the field, all public service professionals are welcome to attend and contribute.
We encourage you to continue (or start!) your journey with WPS. Throughout 2026, we will continue to have our bi-monthly luncheons, mentoring opportunities, and our annual conference.
Our 2026 theme: Engaging Others
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ICTNext: Inspiring the NEXT Generation of Civic Talent
Introducing ICTNext, a new organization crafted just for young professionals in public service. If you are a young public service worker, this is your invitation to join our mailing list and recieve notifications for all future group updates and events featuring vibrant networking, engaging conversations, and collaboration!
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Mental Health & Substance Abuse Coalition (MHSAC)
The Mental Health & Substance Abuse Coalition (MHSAC) aims to develop a sustainable, accessible, and integrated system of care that serves people with mental health and substance abuse disorders who are in crisis, in order to efficiently and effectively deliver services that create positive outcomes.
Join our newsletter mailing list to recieve monthly emails regarding local updates in the areas of mental health, substance abouse, homelessness, relevant legislation, and more.
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Local Government Network (LGN) 2026
The Local Government Network (LGN) is designed to strengthen leadership and collaboration among city and county governments across Kansas. Through monthly learning and networking opportunities, LGN connects public servants who are passionate about effective, ethical, and community-driven local governance.
When your city or county joins LGN for 2026, all employees and elected officials can take part in a full year of engaging programs. Members gain access to workshops, webinars, and in-person events that foster connection, share best practices, and build capacity for stronger local government. Learn more or check your membership status using the links below.
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